Kara

Laks’s kara is a symbol of conscience and his promise to do no wrong. As Laks’s uncle is taking Laks to the drop-off point for his secret mission, he reminds Laks not to forget his kara. He had previously told Laks that the kara was a reminder to do no wrong. As Laks is dying after his failed mission, Laks believes he had done no wrong because he did not follow orders and kill the people sheltering in the mine shaft.

Rust

The rust is a renewed sense of purpose. When Laks sees a bit of rust on his kara, he is concerned that his relationship with his religion is also becoming rusty. He decides that he needs a renewed sense of purpose to keep himself from becoming rusty, like his kara had become.

Axe

The axe is a symbol of fear. Willem’s...